7 Reasons why we need to Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle

Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle is important at any age, but especially over 60

Have you got a stack of yogurt containers, microwave meal bowls or a shelf full of empty jars? Most of us keep food containers as we hate to throw them out. We figure that eventually we’ll find a use for them. Maybe we think a use will miraculously present itself. Or that we’ll meet someone who needs them. Regardless of the reason, we seem to hang on to things that have already fulfilled their original purpose.

Our challenge is that we tend to fill our homes up with junk because we can’t see our way to throwing it out. We always thing that we’ll find a use for it and hate to waste it. Instead of hanging on to this junk, waiting for some kind of enlightenment, we need to do something with it.

Here are 7 good reasons why we need to reuse, repurpose and recycle when we’re over 60:

1 – Our homes are full – Getting rid of clutter makes us feel lighter, less stressed and more at ease. When we are outgrowing our homes because of the stuff we have, it’s time to get rid of the stuff, not to move to a bigger space. I don’t mean finding storage space, I mean doing something with it all. The emotional benefits from having a leaner home far outweigh the need to keep things in case we find a use for them. If your home is jammed packed, you could be experiencing anxiety from the clutter. Check out my Sixty and Me article on Going on a Home Diet in your 60sfor the emotional benefits of downsizing. When your home is full, it’s time to reuse, repurpose and recycle, to claim back your space and peace of mind.

2 – The Plastic City in the Pacific Ocean is enormous– Recycling is so important. It ensures that the items don’t end up in garbage landfills or in the mass of plastic in the Pacific Ocean. When I Google the size of this mass, I find it’s double the size of Texas! That’s incredible. I definitely don’t want to add to this, and I’m sure you don’t either. Recycling ensures that the items are broken down and used in other products. It keeps them out of landfills and from being duped in the ocean.

3 – Helps reduce our spending – Most of us are on a budget. We shouldn’t spend our money when we can reuse something we already have. Why buy containers when we can use yogurt tubs? Why buy plastic bags when we can reuse the ones we have? There is a wealth of ideas online on how to reuse so many things, like plastic containers, glass jars, toweling and bedding. These are just a few of the common things we hang on too, long past their due date. We can save money and reduce unnecessary spending by finding ways to reuse and repurpose.

4 – Keeps us busy – You’ll find you’re never bored if you look for ways to reuse and repurpose items found around your home. There are many Websites full of ideas, along with videos on how to easily transform the items. Once you start surfing you’ll see what I mean with so many videos, stories, and articles at your fingertips.

5 – It gives us something to talk about– Talking about repurposing items makes great conversation starters, even with strangers. There are endless interesting and creative ways to make something useful, and it’s fun to talk about this. Such discussion and the sharing of ideas, usually sparks more discussion on how to transform other things. And this gives fuel for continuing and new conversations, and new ideas, and more discussions ….

6 – Provides an opportunity to be creative– You’ll surprise yourself with your ideas on how to transform your clutter. Let your creative juices flow. Maybe you’ll never actually transform the objects, but you’ll have fun thinking about it. You may find that your creativity is uplifting, and that you enjoy coming up with creative ideas. You may even start to feel very proud of yourself for being so innovative. Being creative is a wonderful way to help reduce depression, loneliness, and stress. We can all use a lift as we get older. A bit of positive energy goes a long way to make us feel good about our day.

7 – Connects us with others – There are so many groups and clubs forming to help reduce our garbage footprint. If there isn’t a group in your area, start one. Put up a sign in the local supermarket, senior centre, or on a local Facebook page. Find others trying to make a difference. You’ll be surprised at the number of seniors interested in helping out. It’s a good reason to have a weekly meeting at the local coffee shop, to come up with ideas, plan activities, and make a difference. You could even prepare a presentation to give in your neighbourhood, maybe at a near-by senior’s home. Share suggestions for reusing and repurposing to enlighten others on how they can get involved and make a difference.

We all need to get involved with this. When I think about how much I love yogurt, I now have visions of towering stacks of my used yogurt containers. It’s mind-boggling when I realize the garbage footprint I’ve had on the planet. My own garbage would probably be a mass the size of a city. It’s like science fiction when I think about this, but it’s not, it’s all real.

I’m trying as much as possible to reuse and repurpose, and to recycle as much of my waste as possible. I’m making cat and dog toys with discarded clothing and bedding, making grocery tote bags from dry food packaging, and composting all my food waste to use as fertilizer in my garden.

Welcome to The Happy Cat

This Happy Cat is living on Koh Lanta, a small island in southern Thailand. I am enjoying my alternative lifestyle as I ease into retirement. This blog is dedicated to Boomers staying positive, making good life choices and finding happiness each and every day as they journey through life.

Hi - So nice to hear from you. I highly recommend that you read the Silo series, it's terrific. I completely agree that the term sci fi isn't attractive, I much prefer what you call it, an alternative earth. And it really does fall into so many categories. I wish more people would step outsid eof their 'reading' comfort zone and try new genres, or even their favourite genre with a disopian twist. Ya, you need to try the Silo series and let me know what you think of it.... Take care

Hi. I've just found your site and this article drew me. I also worked in a library as my first job when I left school, so like you, I love the order of the Dewey decimal system. I currently work in an independant bookshop, and the lack of Dewey frustrates me!
I have always loved science fiction, horror and fantasty. One thing I love about sci fi is that it can be anything. You can have sci fi love stories, westerns, horror, comedy, detective, surreal, moral, and it stretches from normal life with a sci fi twist as you have found, to grand space opera, if that's your style. Even things like The Handmaid's Tale I would count as sci fi, because it's an alternative Earth, ( and watching the tv series, I count it as a horror story as well!) I think most people think that sci fi is just space stories and that puts them off. My work colleague read the Silo series and loved it, and she really is not a sci fi fan, she hasn't even seen Star Wars.

Mimi - Background

This is it!! I want my retirement just like you. In a small village where we don’t need a car. I want to be near earth. Forget chasing my children. We never know where they’ll settle. Let them find me some wonderful place in the world.

Karen - Great Links

Can you rent an apartment for one say February to end of March for how much approximately? I am a young70 year old senior .

Becky Lappin - Is a plastic surgery nip/tuck right for you? Listen to your body!

As long as people don't make the changes for someone else, but just for themselves, then they will probably be happy with the results. But liking your reflection isn't what is going to truly make you happy, that comes from within. I saw you on a Sixty and Me video and your whole being projects that you are a happy person, and it made me want to meet you! (And I am also a cat lady - 3 at present.) Since I won't be able to move to Thailand for at least 3 years, that won't happen, but thank you for putting your positive energy out there for the rest of us to enjoy!